Help reduce maternal mortality infant mortality

In 2009, AIL staff in their 5 clinics delivered 304 babies. Of those, 300 were healthy. That’s a stark contrast to the infant mortality rate in Afghanistan of 15%.
The Afghan Institute of Learning has a popular 18-month nurse/midwife/health educator program with a long waiting list; graduates of this program can quickly find jobs with medical facilities. AIL would like to expand their nursing program, but is unable to due to limited funding.
A Midwife reports the following: “Wahida is a returnee patient to our clinic. She came to us during her first pregnancy and attended the clinic from the beginning of the pregnancy for pre natal care. She promised us that when she was ready for delivery she would come to the clinic for a safe birth. She then came in labor with her mother and mother in law. We made all delivery preparations for her, and she had a normal delivery.
Her mother and mother in law were very happy because their daughter and new grandchild were OK. They said it was very helpful for them that all maternity services in this clinic are free and that they would, from now on, encourage people to come to the clinic for safe deliveries.
The baby breast fed and then the grandmother took him vaccinations in the vaccine room. After two hours when they left the clinic, they were happy and appreciative of AIL’s health services.
Other AIL Accomplishments in 2009 included:
• AIL trained over 1,800 Afghan teachers in pedagogy subjects, leadership, human rights, and school health. These teachers went to their classes and directly impacted over 500,000 students teaching these important subjects.
• Nearly 23,000 students (primarily women and children) attended classes at AIL educational learning centers.
• Over 362,000 Afghans received medical treatment and health education from AIL’s 6 health clinics and community health worker program.
• In January 2010, AIL expanded humanitarian aid efforts with the harsh winter and reached out to 22 families in need. AIL staff delivered to each family quantities of rice, cooking oil and tea. Most heads of the family were widows with children from Herat, and were recommended by community members.
• In February 2010, flooding in the Enjil district of Herat destroyed many family homes, and AIL responded with a concerted effort of initial food aid.
Reminder: On March 16, 2010, GlobalGiving will be matching all donations made to any project on www.globalgiving.org by 30% (up to $1,000 per person)! If you could like to donate again to our project, your donation will go further on March 16th!!!